Overview
Professional Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Leadership, Awards & Affiliations
Additional Experience / Projects
Timeline

Sara Cocca

RIT
ROCHESTER,NY
9
years of professional experience

Results-driven higher education professional with over four years of experience in student advising and financial aid processes. Expertise in counseling and mentoring, fostering student success through effective communication and support. Proficient in CRM systems, Banner, and Microsoft Office, with a strong background in event coordination and community engagement. Currently serving as Senior Financial Services Counselor at Rochester Institute of Technology, enhancing institutional goals through program development.

Work History

Sr Financial Services Counselor

1 Year
RIT | 10.2025 - Current
  • Managed student account balances, credit reviews, and payment plan setup to ensure accurate financial oversight and timely resolution of account issues.
  • Collaborated with vocational rehabilitation counselors to post authorizations, verify funding details, and maintain up‑to‑date account activity.
  • Processed individualized billing for vocational rehabilitation offices following authorization posting, ensuring precise documentation and compliance with institutional and agency requirements.
  • Provided comprehensive account support to students and families, delivering clear guidance on charges, payments, and financial aid interactions.
  • Maintained meticulous financial records and documentation to support audits, reporting, and cross‑departmental coordination.

Financial Aid Advisor

3 Years 5 Months
Bryant & Stratton College | 05.2022 - 10.2025
  • Guided students through FAFSA, TAP, EC & MPN processes to ensure proper financial aid access.
  • Proficient in CRM, Excel, Word, Banner & CPS.
  • Collaborated with Graduation Committee to support event organization and logistics.
  • Provided mentorship to students, offering guidance and support.

Cashier

10 Months
Wegmans | 07.2021 - 05.2022
  • Provided fast, friendly checkout service while maintaining high accuracy in handling cash, card, and digital payments.
  • Assisted customers with questions, product locations, and resolving minor concerns to ensure a positive shopping experience.
  • Maintained a clean and organized checkout area and followed store procedures for safety and efficiency.
  • Demonstrated strong customer service skills, earning positive feedback and recognition from shoppers.

Community Development

4 Months
SUNY Brockport | 08.2021 - 12.2021
  • Developed pamphlets and utilized Instagram to promote diversity and community events.
  • Organized and led the Day of the Dead Dance Off, fostering cultural awareness and community engagement.
  • Developed communication plans supporting program awareness, participation, and retention.

Student Worker

10 Months
Drake Memorial Library | 02.2021 - 12.2021
  • Organized books and shelf read to maintain order and accessibility, assisting patrons in locating resources.
  • Assisted patrons with circulation, account questions, and basic library navigation.
  • Shelved materials accurately using library classification and call number systems.
  • Monitored study areas and maintained quiet, organized workspace standards.

Student Intern

4 Months
Morgan Manning House Internship | 01.2021 - 05.2021
  • Filmed video of house tour and assisted with 3D virtual tour.
  • Developed event plans to enhance engagement and participation.
  • Produced a video showcasing the house to enhance virtual tour experiences.

Student Intern

4 Months
Talon Connect Internship | 01.2021 - 05.2021
  • Coordinated alumni dinner to strengthen community ties and enhance engagement.
  • Led team-building exercises to foster collaboration and improve group dynamics.

Cashier & Associate

2 Years 2 Months
AC Moore Craft Store | 04.2017 - 06.2019
  • Earned customer service certificate in recognition of exceptional service.
  • Applied coupons, discounts, and promotions while following store policies.
  • Resolved register discrepancies and balanced assigned cash drawer.
  • Processed cash, credit, and gift card transactions accurately at checkout.

Public Relations Specialist & Event Planner

1 Year 3 Months
Gospel Light Bible Baptist Church | 10.2017 - 01.2019
  • Promoted church events through social media (Facebook & Instagram), driving increased attendance.
  • Coordinated social media content, strengthening engagement across congregation and community audiences.
  • Managed media inquiries and public messaging, ensuring consistent representation of church values.

Education

Master of Science - Professional Studies

Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 12-2028

Bachelor of Science - Communications & Public Relations

SUNY Brockport | Brockport | 12-2022

Dean’s List 2019 – 2022

Associate of Science - Concentration in Communication

Monroe Community College | Rochester | 08-2019

Skills

CRM
Student Privacy Management
PeopleSoft
Five9 platform
Financial counseling
Slack communication
Slack
CRM

Accomplishments

    Received a certificate of recognition from ToastMasters Speech Crafter's in 2024

    Participated in a Otis Young Motivational Speak Off in 2019

Leadership, Awards & Affiliations

Leadership Award, Literature Club Secretary & Vice President, Monroe Community College, May 2019, Otis Young Motivational Speaking Competition, May 2019, Toastmasters Speech Crafter Certificate of Recognition, 2024

Additional Experience / Projects

Social Media Content Creator, Rizzle (app no longer active) | March 2020 – May 2022

Timeline

Sr Financial Services Counselor

RIT
10.2025 - CurrentRead More

Financial Aid Advisor

Bryant & Stratton College
05.2022 - 10.2025Read More

Community Development

SUNY Brockport
08.2021 - 12.2021Read More

Cashier

Wegmans
07.2021 - 05.2022Read More

Student Worker

Drake Memorial Library
02.2021 - 12.2021Read More

Student Intern

Morgan Manning House Internship
01.2021 - 05.2021Read More

Student Intern

Talon Connect Internship
01.2021 - 05.2021Read More

Public Relations Specialist & Event Planner

Gospel Light Bible Baptist Church
10.2017 - 01.2019Read More

Cashier & Associate

AC Moore Craft Store
04.2017 - 06.2019Read More

Rochester Institute of Technology

Master of Science from Professional Studies
Read More

SUNY Brockport

Bachelor of Science from Communications & Public Relations
Read More

Monroe Community College

Associate of Science from Concentration in Communication
Read More
Sara Cocca